Why Visit a Gynecologist?
Gynecologists (OB-GYNS) specialize in female healthcare (this refers to sex assigned at birth, anyone with avulva, vagina, uterus, or breasts – we see all gender identities), addressing unique needs such as menstruation, sexual health, and overall wellness. It’s recommended to have the first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15, often as a conversation to learn about your body and ask questions.
A wellness visit (also called annual exam, well-woman exam, annual pelvic exam) is a visit to review your health, learn about your body, and your reproductive health.
What to Expect at your Wellness Visit
It’s normal to feel nervous before your first visit. Talking to a parent, guardian, or trusted adult can help, and letting your healthcare provider know how you feel can help them make you comfortable.
The doctor may ask questions to understand your health history, including periods or sexual activity. Discussing confidentiality helps you understand which details stay private.
At your exam we ask how you prefer to be addressed, review information you filled out about your medical health history, surgical history, lifestyle behaviors, family history, sexual health and reproductive health.
We may or may not perform a physical examination depending on your age and what problems may be ongoing. We will discuss this with you and if you are not ready for an exam you can always decline this portion of the visit. It rarely is an emergency for us to perform an exam and we understand this can be vulnerable.
Types of Exams
Depending on your age during your first visit, the provider may or may not perform a physical examination, they may also simply talk to you. At the age of 21 years and older a pelvic examination becomes a routine portion of your annual visit with us. Here are some things to expect:
- General Physical Exam: Checking height, weight, and blood pressure.
- External Genital Exam: Examining the vulva, the outer part of the genital area. You can ask for a mirror to learn about your body.
- Internal Pelvic Exam: Examining the internal reproductive organs – such as vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Annual Physical Exam: Examining your other anatomy such as your lungs, heart, abdomen, skin, thyroid, breasts, lymph nodes.
A pelvic exam is rarely done on the first visit unless there are issues like pain or abnormal bleeding. If sexually active, you may be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often with a urine sample.
We will have a chaperone present for your pelvic exam to ensure the safety of yourself and our providers as part of our office policy.
If it makes you more comfortable you are welcome to have a friend, family member, or partner with you for your exam.
Breast Cancer Screening
At your annual visits we assess your breast cancer risk. One in 8 people with breasts assigned female at birth will have breast cancer occur in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer to cause death in females. It is important that you let us know any family history of cancers to help determine if you are at higher risk of these cancers or breast cancer.
We follow national guidelines for recommendation of monitoring for breast cancer. We teach and encourage self-breast awareness.
This includes:
- Age 25 years and older: a clinical breast examination at your annual exam
- Age 40: yearly mammogram (imaging of the breast tissue) to detect early breast cancer.
- This is done yearly additional imaging may be required if the mammogram indicates additional imaging.
If you are high-risk for developing breast cancer we may offer discuss genetic testing and counseling, breast MRI imaging, and increasing how often screening is performed.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Starting at age 21, cervical cancer screening is recommended. This includes a Pap smear and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test. Pap smears detect abnormal cells in the cervix, and HPV tests check for the most common type of virus that may cause cervical cancer. These tests aren’t done every year; your doctor will explain how often based on your health.
Learning About Your Body
Your first visit is a chance to learn about your anatomy. The vulva includes the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening, while the vagina is the internal passage leading to the cervix and uterus. Understanding these parts helps you recognize what’s healthy.
You are welcome to ask for a mirror if you would like help identifying your anatomy at your pelvic examination.
Vaccinations
At your annual we review your health history including your vaccination history. Vaccinations are important to help prevent diseases for yourself and those around you. The vaccines we recommend are safe, effective and reduce death or high-risk of harm to your body from diseases.
Routine vaccines for people ages 11–18 include:
- Tdap for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, with a booster every 10 years.
- HPV Vaccine to protect against types of HPV linked to cancer or warts, most effective at ages 11–12 and approved for coverage up until 45 years old.
- If you have not received your HPV vaccine and wish to, please call our office at 509-838-4211 to set up your injection.
- Meningococcal Vaccine for brain and spinal cord infections, given between 11 and 12, with a booster at 16.
- Flu Vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza, recommended annually.
Additional vaccines might be recommended based on individual health needs, such as:
- COVID-19, Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), and Polio vaccines.
Other vaccines, like Hepatitis A and Pneumococcal vaccines, may be suggested for higher-risk individuals.
Discussing Special Concerns
The yearly visit is a safe space to discuss health concerns, including:
- Menstrual Cramps (pain with bleeding) and Period Problems
- Pelvic Pain
- Acne and Skin Health
- Weight and Nutrition guidance
- Sexual Health and Birth Control: Safe practices, STI protection, and birth control options
- Emotional Health: Stress management, mood support, and help for feeling down
- Pre-pregnancy Health
- Menopause Health
- Urinary Incontinence (leakage) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
If there are at-risk behaviors like smoking, drinking, using drugs, or having unprotected sex your healthcare provider can offer guidance for safer choices.
Additional Testing
We may ask questions in regards to the above issues to help identify problems, you are more than welcome to take lead and ask questions or concerns about the above issues that can occur over your lifetime.
Reminder: Many insurance companies do not cover problems addressed at annual visits so you may make a separate appointment to discuss any problems you may be having. It is your responsibility to understand what is covered by your insurance company and what is not, please call your carrier with any questions before your visit. We will do our best to address these or set up another visit if time does not permit at your annual visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of an annual preventative health exam?
These exams are a key to preventing problems from occurring or getting more serious. Any preventative health care is generally covered by your insurance. If you do not have medical insurance please let us know so we can give you an estimate for your visit.There are additional procedures performed typically at many annual exams including a mental health screen and pelvic examination which have the following procedural codes (96172 and 99459 respectively) that may or may not be covered by your insurance. It is your responsibility to understand what your insurance covers and does not cover, please call your insurance carrier before your visit if needed.If you bring up health concerns and they are reviewed or managed at the time of your annual exam this will not be fully covered by your insurance company and may count towards your deductible. You may also ask for these problems to be addressed at a separate visit, we may also bring you back to further discuss any problems.
When should I have my first pelvic exam?
Unless there is a medical problem earlier, at 21 years old and older it is recommended you have a yearly pelvic exam.
If I am not sexually active should do I still need to see a Gynecologist?
Yes, if you have female anatomy it is recommended you see a gynecologist yearly as you age up until 65 years old to prevent and identify problems with your body in addition to a primary care doctor.
Staying Healthy
To maintain health:
- Diet and Exercise: Balanced meals and regular exercise help keep a healthy weight.
- Avoid Harmful Substances: Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs.
- Mental Health Support: Seek help, such as a therapist, if emotional problems are affecting your life.
- Use Protection During Sex: Condoms help prevent STIs, and your doctor can discuss birth control.
- Routine Care: Regular visits including your annual exam and vaccines are essential.
Managing Your Health After the Annual Visit
If this is your first gynecologic visit is the start of managing your health. Stay involved by following up on test results, asking questions, and keeping up with regular appointments to ensure you get the recommended screenings and vaccinations.